The Australian Government Department of Defence’s commitment to innovation and national security is at the forefront following the official opening of Defence’s state-of-the-art, purpose built Australian Hypersonics Research Precinct at Eagle Farm in Brisbane. The Minister for Defence the Hon Peter Dutton MP unveiled the $14 million Precinct which provides a location for Defence, industry, universities and international partners to advance our understanding and use of hypersonic technology through flight test vehicles. This Precinct represents just one element of the Morrison Government’s $3 billion dollar capability investment across Defence innovation, science and technology over the next decade. The centre accommodates over 60 staff and provides collaborative space for industry, academia and government teams to advance defence projects with a focus on high-speed and hypersonic flight research and technologies.
“It’s a complex technological challenge to build vehicles capable of flying at five times the speed of sound, that skim the stratosphere, to target any location on the planet. The technology that is developed here will help us to better defend against the malign use of this technology and give us the ability to strike any potential adversaries from a distance and deter aggression against Australia’s national interests. It enables Defence researchers to develop and characterise sovereign hypersonic technologies and generate ‘true’ hypersonic flight conditions at large scale in a classified laboratory,” Minister Dutton said.
“Thales is proud to work with are range of SMEs including Southern Launch, Airspeed, Mincham and Mackay Defence, who will deliver specialised technology for the complex program including tooling and precision engineering, specialised polymeric insulation products, composite cases, as well as design and launch services. We look forward to the expansion of the defence ecosystem at Eagle Farm, where Thales currently has around 150 highly skilled and experienced staff supporting ADF programs,” CEO of Thales Australia Chris Jenkins said.
Thales Australia is proud to be actively supporting the government’s innovation and national security objectives through Collaborative Research and Development Program delivering Advanced Rocket Motor Technology. Employing around 3,800 people, Thales Australia has a history of patient investment to build advanced in-country capability across manufacturing, critical systems and services. Close collaborative relationships with local customers, Australian SME suppliers and research institutions combined with technology transfer from global business enables Thales to tailor high quality solutions for Australian and export markets. Thales is a global leader in advanced technologies, investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations – connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum computing – to build a confident future crucial for the development of societies. The Group provides its customers – businesses, organisations and governments – in the defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security domains with solutions, services and products that help them fulfil their critical role, consideration for the individual being the driving force behind all decisions.
